Former Bayern stalwart Demichelis takes over at RB Leipzig

BERLIN: Martin Demichelis, a former Argentina international, has taken over as manager of RB Leipzig, the German club announced on Monday.

The 45-year-old signed for two seasons. He replaced Ole Werner, who was sacked on Wednesday after just one season in charge of the Saxon side.

“RB Leipzig are an ambitious club with a clear identity, outstanding talent and a determination to keep improving at the highest level,” said Demichelis on the club website.

“I want to create a side that plays bold, intense and exciting football, takes responsibility on the pitch and inspires the people of Leipzig with its passion.”

Third in the Bundesliga behind Bayern and Dortmund, and having qualified for the Champions League, Leipzig nevertheless enjoyed a mixed end to the season with several heavy defeats.

The club gave dissatisfaction with the team’s “performance” as a reason for not retaining Werner.

Demichelis played as a defender or holding midfielder and won Argentine titles with River Plate, four Bundesliga titles in almost eight seasons with Bayern Munich and a Premier League title with Manchester City. He collected and won 51 international caps and played in the 2014 World Cup final loss to Germany.

He started his coaching career with youth teams at Malaga and Bayern and then led River to an Argentine title.

He arrived from Mallorca in February but was unable to prevent the club’s relegation from the Spanish Liga.

Leipzig, in their announcement, pointed out that he had led Mallorca to a victory over Real Madrid and put together an eight-game unbeaten record and the club was only relegated on head-to-head tiebreakers.

“Martin Demichelis brings experience of working at the highest level as both a player and manager in Europe, South America and North America. That international perspective is an excellent fit for RB Leipzig and our global outlook,” said Marcel Schaefer, Leipzig’s managing director for sport.